After using Hugh and Grace for a few weeks, I noticed my acne clearing and my skin becoming brighter. I still had some stubborn bumps on one side of my face and thought exfoliation might be the key to removing them. But, here’s the problem. Too much or too little exfoliation seems to be a trigger for my acne. Can you relate? Even using those tinkle razors for an at-home microderm sends me into a terrible breakout. So, I was on the hunt for something to lightly exfoliate my skin, and I stumbled upon these charcoal konjac facial sponges. Spoiler alert, they worked beautifully for my skin. Upon further reading, I found that the sponges have a cult following and come in different types for different skin issues. So, I’m sharing everything I know about the magical konjac sponge here with you in hopes they will help your skin too.
What is a Konjac Sponge?
Konjac is a porous root vegetable native to Asia. It’s similar to a potato and contains a lot of fiber. In the food industry, you might see it as glucomannan, a thickening agent that adds texture or a potential aid in weight loss (see konjac noodles). In the beauty industry, konjac is the main ingredient in facial sponges that are gentle enough for daily use. The fiber that makes konjac work inside your body also makes it a great exfoliator on your skin. Because the konjac root is so porous, it’s easy to form into small, round sponges. Konjac sponges arrive dehydrated, and you must first soak in water before use.
Konjac Facial Sponge Benefits
Konjac facial sponges are best known for gentle exfoliation and cleansing. The extra exfoliation will give you a glow and you will be able to feel the deep clean. People of almost any skin type, including sensitive skin, can use one. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may need to avoid physical exfoliators altogether. In that case, use a chemical exfoliator like alpha-hydroxy acids. But, for most of us, the konjac facial sponge is great.
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, using a konjac sponge can help unclog pores. A 2013 study found that konjac could be used as a topical therapeutic product for acne to help improve skin health.
Different Types of Konjac Facial Sponges
All konjac facial sponges contain konjac. The color and added ingredients make them different:
- Pure: Classic sponge, made of 100% konjac root fiber. It is white and contains natural vitamins and minerals. Suitable for people with sensitive skin types.
- Charcoal: Great for people with oily and acne-prone skin. This sponge type helps draw out excess sebum from the skin, prevents clogged pores, and assists in acne breakout prevention.
- Green Clay: Green clay is known for drawing out skin impurities and improving blood circulation. The green clay konjac facial sponge should lessen the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads and be best for those with combination skin.
- Red Clay: For people with dry and mature skin. Anti-aging benefits include gently sloughing away dead skin cells and boosting blood circulation, and supporting collagen production.
- Green Tea: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea may reduce inflammation and acne while also brightening and evening out dull skin. Green tea konjac facial sponges are suitable for people with normal and oily, acne-prone skin.
How To Use A Konjac Sponge
When you first get your sponge, you may need to soak it in warm water for 10 –to 15 minutes to expand it to its full size. Check the directions to be sure. Once it’s damp and soft, it’s ready to use.
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- Gently wash your face with the sponge (with or without a cleanser) using upward, circular motions. I use the Hugh and Grace purifying cleansing bar with my konjac sponge.
- Rinse your face.
- Rinse the sponge until the water runs clear, and hang the sponge to dry until next time.
- Continue with your usual post-cleansing skincare routine. I use the Hugh and Grace Serums as my second step, morning and night.
- Replace the sponge every 4-8 weeks as recommended on the package. Once a month or as often as you like, disinfect by bringing a pot of water to boil, turning the heat, and dropping your sponge in for 3-4 minutes.
Other Things You May Not Know About The Konjac Sponge
Here are some other, yet to be mentioned benefits of using a konjac facial sponge:
- You can compost them: Because Konjac sponges are 100 percent biodegradable, you can throw them in the compost bin with other fruits, veggies, and other items.
- You can use them all over your body: Because they’re so gentle, konjac sponges can be used all over your body, like a loofah. I’ve personally found them to be very helpful in reducing my Keratosis Pilaris (aka chicken skin) on the back of my arms. They would also work great on acne-prone areas, like the back or chest.
- They’re great makeup removers: Try the sponge in place of a makeup remover wipe or towel. They should be able to remove your makeup, even mascara, with just water.
- Some are packaged in a moist environment: Some konjac sponges are packed with moisture, and you will see that when you open up the package. If you’re not sure if that is normal, ask!
Where to Buy A Konjac Sponge
You can buy a konjac facial sponge anywhere you shop skincare as they are becoming more popular and readily available. There is even a store that only sells konjac sponges (The Konjac Sponge Company). I buy this 5 pack of charcoal konjac facial sponges on Amazon. The same brand sells baby konjacs, body sponges, and all types mentioned above. They are affordable and ship quickly.
I’m Obsessed With Sponges Like Elaine From Seinfeld
I hope you learned something helpful about the konjac facial sponge! For me, it’s been a great complement to my skincare routine, and I believe it helped my acne. Have you tried a konjac facial sponge? If so, feel free to comment below with your experience and favorite brand. And, as always, feel free to reach out with any questions you might have.
